Rose Verbena
Glandularia canadensis
A low-growing, spreading perennial with deeply lobed, hairy green leaves and clusters of five-petaled pink to purple flowers. Often used as a groundcover.
- Light
- Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day
- Water
- Moderate; water regularly until established. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial groundcover; reaches 6 to 12 inches high and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. Rapid growth rate.
Care instructions
Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering. Minimal pruning needed but can be trimmed after flowering to promote new growth.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours per day
Watering
Moderate; water regularly until established. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0).
Hardiness zone
Zones 6 to 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial groundcover; reaches 6 to 12 inches high and spreads 1 to 2 feet wide. Rapid growth rate.
Bloom season
Spring through Fall; produces rounded clusters of rose-pink, lavender, or purple flowers.
Propagation
Easily propagated by stem cuttings, seeds, or by dividing the root ball in early spring.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Spider mites and thrips may occasionally target foliage.
Similar species
Verbena rigida (Sandpaper Verbena), which has rougher, stiffer leaves and is more upright, and Glandularia bipinnatifida (Dakota Mock Vervain), which has much more finely dissected leaves.